Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence - A New Search Institute Initiative

With major support from the John Templeton Foundation, Search Institute is launching the Center for Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence to advance knowledge, practice, and international interest in the spiritual development of children and adolescents. The Center is designed to become an international hub of theory, research, and practice in this important domain in human development.

FOCUS AREAS

• Advancing the scientific study of spiritual development—Aided by partners in multiple fields and nations, the Center will develop major advances in the theory, definition, and measurement of spiritual development, including an exploratory study on several continents.
• Building an interdisciplinary, international field of scholarship—The Center will cultivate a broad network of scholars, philanthropists, and other partners through symposia, conferences and distinguished advisors. It will also create an online community for scholars as well as a searchable database of available literature on spiritual development around the world.
• Strengthening practice across traditions and sectors—Based on the emerging research, the Center will develop tools, resources, and partnerships to help youth workers, parents, and others more effectively nurture the spiritual lives of children and adolescents.
• Public communications—The Center will utilize print, electronic, and mass media to position spiritual development as an essential aspect of child and adolescent development.
• Developing new partnerships—The Center will actively seek opportunities to collaborate on additional projects that build knowledge and strengthen practice within particular contexts, cultures, and traditions.